Preparation pays off for a pair of performers

Students, family and faculty filtered into the Mayo Concert Hall on Sunday, Nov. 10 to enjoy an important capstone for all music majors — the senior recital.

Music education majors Katie Saxton and Bruce Krywinski put on a show that earned a standing ovation and brought several audience members to tears, alternating back and forth between their songs in a display to remember.

Krywinski opened with a piccolo performance of the first two marches from Telemann’s “Douze Marches Heroïques: La Grâce” and “La Majesté.” According to Krysinski’s recital notes, “La Grâce is a lyrical march often performed at weddings. La Majesté has a regal air about it and boasts a march feeling that makes a bold announcement.”

Saxton, president of the American Choral Directors Association at the College, opened with a romantic German piece titled “Bei dir sind meine Gedanken.” The mezzo-soprano also sang opera pieces in Italian, French and English.

Krywinski then played Hummel’s “Concerto in E flat” on the trumpet, a bold piece from the 1800s. He also performed Enescu’s “Légende,” which featured fast-paced passages and a dramatic climax.

The cornet, with which Krywinski had only practiced for two months prior to his performance, was used to play Clarke’s “Sounds from the Hudson.”

“I searched for information regarding events in the composers’ lives that may have been reflected in their music,” Krywinski said. “I also find out whether the pieces themselves are supposed to tell a story, like Enescu’s ‘Légende.’”

Saxton smiled through her last solo performance, Lee Hoiby’s “Where the Music Comes From.” The piece had a flowing rhythm and sent a positive message about growing and learning.

The finale, though, was Saxton’s rendition of “Lida Rose/Will I Ever Tell You?” from Broadway’s “The Music Man.” Saxton was joined by a barbershop quartet of Brian Lang, Kyle Sheehan, Matt Thomas and Daniel Malloy.

“It’s crazy how fast it goes,” Saxton said. “You prepare for this day for so long, and it flies by when you’re out there. It’s nerve-wracking, rewarding and amazing all at the same time.”

Later that evening, senior Emma Peterson also performed vocally in a solo recital performance.

“The shows were brilliant,” sophomore music education major Eddie Eassie said. “I love senior recitals. It’s such a wonderful opportunity for students to perform at a high level.”

“Even though the recital is over, there is still work to be done,” Saxton said. “I have chosen music as my profession, and it’s a lifelong commitment to improving my craft.”